Post-lunch, Ririna settled into the cozy corner of the living room, the hum of the television blending with her thoughts. She nibbled on a light snack, mindful of the upcoming yoga class with her mom. It was one of those well-intentioned outings designed to lift her spirits, yet it felt like just another obligation in a life already tangled in expectations.
Her parents poured their love into her, hoping to distract her from what they believed was the source of her distress. They thought their daughter was struggling with the usual worries—the weight of the world on her shoulders. But Ririna knew it was far deeper than that. The turmoil within her stemmed from a quiet place, something so personal that sharing it felt impossible.
Grateful for their efforts, she nevertheless felt the chasm between their understanding and her reality. While they focused on surface issues, Ririna wrestled with shadows that haunted her thoughts, feelings that were uniquely hers and too precious to expose. It was as if she wore a mask, skillfully deflecting their concern by feigning distress over the things they worried about. This distraction was her shield, a way to protect the fragile pieces of herself that were still healing.
"Change is the only constant," she reminded herself, reflecting on the shifting tides of life. Everything—events, people, even emotions—could transform in an instant. This understanding brought her a small measure of comfort. Each yoga session, each breath, was a step toward rediscovering herself, a chance to confront the complexity of her emotions at her own pace.